DIY Guide: How to Install a Medicine Cabinet

When it comes to home improvements, many people find that they get the biggest bang for the buck with simple bathroom upgrades. In fact, according to a report by CNN Money bathroom upgrades add approximately 102% of their cost to a home's value. In other words, you can make money by spending the time and energy upgrading your bathroom. One of the simplest and quickest bathroom upgrades is installing a new or updated medicine cabinet. Many bathrooms, including one of mine, is in desperate need of a medicine cabinet upgrade. I have a large plate mirror wasting valuable wall space where a spacious medicine cabinet should be. Other bathrooms have an older, outdated recessed medicine cabinet and could benefit from installing a new, surface mounted medicine cabinet.

General Tips for Installing a New Medicine Cabinet

New surface mounted medicine cabinets come in various configurations. You will want to make sure that the new medicine cabinet you choose can freely open and close in the space available. Some large units feature multiple section hinged doors; make sure to measure both the available space and the space necessary for door swing.

Make sure the new medicine cabinet has a solid, rust resistant construction. Surface mount, wooden units make an excellent choice.

Consider spending the extra money on a unit that features adjustable shelving. Unless you want to repeat the installation process in the future, make sure that your cabinet can accommodate future needs.

Tools and Materials Needed to Install a Surface Mounted Medicine Cabinet
Drill
1/8" Drill bit
Phillips screw drill bit
Level
Pencil
Tape measure or ruler
Stud Finder (not necessary but certainly helpful)
Insulation (necessary if replacing a built-in unit with a surface mount medicine cabinet)
Safety goggles.

How to Install a New Surface Mounted Medicine Cabinet

You should begin, of course, with removing any items from your old medicine cabinet if necessary.

1. If you are replacing an old built in unit, simply remove the old unit by finding its mounting screws and removing them. When you remove the old unit, you will be left with a gaping hole in your wall. You will want to simply fill the hole, from stud to stud, with insulation. There is no need to cover the hole because the new medicine cabinet will be there.

2. You will want to create a pencil template of the new medicine cabinet. If your cabinet is large or wieldly, you will probably want another person to help you out with this step. Place the level inside the medicine cabinet to check its level. Make sure the unit is centered in the wall, above your sink, and at the desired height.

While you or your assistant is holding the medicine cabinet, trace lightly with your pencil around the entire unit. This template will be your guide for installing your mounting hardware.

3. With the stud finder, find the studs within the template of your medicine cabinet. If you do not have a stud finder available, you can try the old "knock trick" by knocking on the wall until you find the stud. Once studs are found, mark them with the pencil. This is where you will screw the medicine cabinet to your wall. For safety, you will want at least four marked places in a square pattern. Measure and mark the same positions on the inside of your medicine cabinet.

If you cannot find the studs, or there are no wall studs where you need them, you will need to use hollow wall fasteners to secure the cabinet. Visit your home improvement store to purchase the wall fasteners if necessary.

4. Drill your four positions in your medicine cabinet using the 1/8" drill bit. Place the cabinet back on the wall and make sure your holes match up with the marked positions on your wall studs. With the help of your assistant, secure the cabinet with the screws provided with the new medicine cabinet. Make sure to use the level throughout the process to ensure that your new medicine cabinet is level.

After you have tested the stability of your newly installed medicine cabinet, you can load it up. You should be proud of yourself, You have just dramatically improved the look and value of your bathroom.